NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported that during his preflight inspection, he perceived both fuel tanks were full. Based on previous flights, full fuel tanks allowed for about five hours of endurance. About four hours after departure, the pilot noticed a low fuel quantity on cockpit gages, but continued the flight toward the planned destination airport. Several minutes later, the engine lost power and the pilot performed a forced landing to a field. The airplane impacted a power line and nosed-over, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.

Postaccident examination revealed the airplane fuel tanks contained no useable fuel. Following the accident, the pilot stated he should have landed earlier to refuel. He also discovered that a co-owner had not filled the fuel tanks after the previous flight, as he expected.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and improper in-flight decision-making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.